Dental Ceramic Coloring Using Single-Liquid Metal-Ion Gradation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dental ceramics require multiple coloring liquids and repetitive coloring steps, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a single coloring liquid containing at least two types of metal ions with a specific difference in standard oxidation-reduction potentials is used to form a gradation inside the dental ceramic in a single step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If multiple coloring liquids are used sequentially to achieve gradation in dental ceramic, then the coloring effect is improved, but the time and labor required increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloring gradation qualityVSAvoidcoloring process time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coloring functions into a single coloring liquid by incorporating multiple metal ions with different standard electrode potentials. This allows the dental ceramic to achieve gradient coloring effects that previously required multiple separate coloring steps and liquids, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining coloring quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coloring liquid is designed to perform multiple coloring functions simultaneously through the inclusion of multiple metal ions. A single coloring liquid can produce various color gradients within the dental ceramic by utilizing the different electrochemical properties of the contained metal ions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coloring liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple coloring liquids are used sequentially to achieve gradation in dental ceramic, then the coloring effect is improved, but the process complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloring gradation qualityVSAvoidcoloring process steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coloring functions into a single coloring liquid by incorporating multiple metal ions with different standard electrode potentials. This allows the dental ceramic to achieve gradient coloring effects that previously required multiple separate coloring steps and liquids, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining coloring quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coloring liquid is designed to perform multiple coloring functions simultaneously through the inclusion of multiple metal ions. A single coloring liquid can produce various color gradients within the dental ceramic by utilizing the different electrochemical properties of the contained metal ions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coloring liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple coloring liquids are used sequentially to achieve gradation in dental ceramic, then the coloring effect is improved, but the labor and material requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoloring gradation qualityVSAvoidcoloring efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple coloring functions into a single coloring liquid by incorporating multiple metal ions with different standard electrode potentials. This allows the dental ceramic to achieve gradient coloring effects that previously required multiple separate coloring steps and liquids, thereby reducing processing time while maintaining coloring quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coloring liquid is designed to perform multiple coloring functions simultaneously through the inclusion of multiple metal ions. A single coloring liquid can produce various color gradients within the dental ceramic by utilizing the different electrochemical properties of the contained metal ions, eliminating the need for multiple specialized coloring liquids.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach allows for efficient formation of a gradation within the dental ceramic in a single coloring step, reducing time and effort while achieving a natural tooth-like color and structure.

Implementation Method 1

The coloring liquid contains at least two types of metal ions in which a difference between standard oxidation-reduction potentials is 0.5 or more and 4.0 or less

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation-reduction potential difference: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP4591825A1Method for coloring dental ceramic, and coloring solution for dental ceramic
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 GC CORP
  • EP4591825A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4591825A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP4591825A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A method for coloring a dental ceramic (10) includes a step of contacting a coloring liquid (30) with the dental ceramic (10). The coloring liquid (30) contains at least two types of metal ions in which a difference between standard oxidation-reduction potentials is 0.5 or more and 4.0 or less.